NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report on Abduction of Human Rights Defender Yambem Laba in Manipur



 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the abduction of senior journalist and human rights defender Yambem Laba in Manipur and has formally sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Superintendent of Police, East Imphal district.

In a communication dated 02 February 2026 (Case No. 23/14/4/2025), the NHRC directed the police authorities in Manipur to submit a detailed report within four weeks regarding the incident and the steps taken to ensure the safety of the victim.

Background of the Case

The complaint was submitted by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, human rights activist, following the abduction of Yambem Laba on 11 February 2025. According to the complaint:

  • Yambem Laba was abducted at gunpoint from his residence in Imphal by 15–20 unidentified armed men.

  • He was held in an undisclosed location for over seven hours.

  • His release was conditional upon issuing an apology and ceasing all future public appearances, including media engagements.

  • The abduction is believed to be retaliation for his public criticism of militant groups and his commentary on the political situation in Manipur.

The complaint further highlighted that:

  • In 2024, Yambem Laba was arrested by police on false charges, allegedly due to his criticism of the Manipur government.

  • His residence had been attacked multiple times, including incidents where armed men fired at his house and threatened him for social media posts critical of armed groups.

NHRC’s Directions

After examining the complaint, the Commission directed that:

  • A copy of the complaint be forwarded to the Superintendent of Police, East Imphal.

  • A detailed Action Taken Report be submitted to the NHRC within four weeks.

  • The report must be submitted through the HRCNet portal, as per NHRC procedure.

The Commission has acknowledged the complainant’s request for intervention, particularly concerning the safety and protection of the human rights defender.

Concerns Raised by Human Rights Organisations

International human rights organisation Front Line Defenders has also expressed grave concern over the incident, noting that Yambem Laba has been repeatedly targeted for his legitimate human rights work and freedom of expression.

The organisation has called upon Indian authorities to:

  1. Conduct an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into the abduction.

  2. Investigate repeated armed attacks and threats against the defender.

  3. Ensure protection of human rights defenders in Manipur from reprisals by both state and non-state actors.

A Test Case for Accountability in Manipur

The NHRC’s intervention comes amid continuing ethnic violence and shrinking civic space in Manipur. The outcome of this case will be a critical test of the State’s commitment to protecting journalists and human rights defenders, particularly those who speak out against violence and impunity.

Ensuring accountability in this case is not only about justice for Yambem Laba, but also about safeguarding democratic values, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Manipur.

NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN BLOCK-C, GPO COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023
Fax No.: 011-24651332    Website: www.nhrc.nic.in
(Law Division)
Case No.- 23/14/4/2025
Date : 02/02/2026  
To,
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
East Imphal, Manipur
IMPHAL MANIPUR
Email- spimphaleastdistrict@gmail.com

 
Sub : Complaint/ Intimation from

LENIN@PVCHR.ASIA
LENIN@PVCHR.ASIA
[Select District] , [Select State]
0
Email- LENIN@PVCHR.ASIA

Subject: Action Taken Report Called for(ATR) -23/14/4/2025.
 
Sir/ Madam,
 
        The complaint/ intimation dated 19/02/2025, was placed before the Commission on 02/02/2026. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows:
 
         

The Commission has received a complaint from Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, a human rights activist stating that 11.02.2025, one Shri Yambem Laba who is a Human Rights Defender and a journalist, was abducted at gunpoint from his home by 15–20 unidentified armed men in retaliation for his public criticism of militant groups. He was released after seven hours on the condition that he apologize and cease all future public appearances. It is also stated that in the year 2024, the victim Human Rights Defender was arrested by the police as he had criticised the government of Manipur. The complainant has requested the Commission to intervene into the matter for the safety of the Human Rights Defender, Shri Yambem Laba. 

Transmit a copy of the complaint to the Superintendent of Police, Imphal, Manipur calling for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks. 

 
2.      Accordingly, I am forwarding herewith a copy of the complaint/ intimation as an attachment for taking appropriate action in the matter as per the directions of the Commission. It is requested that an Action Taken Report be sent to the Commission within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of this letter.
 
3.     Any communication by public authorities in this matter may please be sent to the Commission through the HRCNet Portal (https://hrcnet.nic.in) by using id and password already provided to the public authorities (click Authority Login). Any Audio/ Video CDs/ pen drives etc. may be sent through Speed Post/ per bearer. The reports/ responses sent through email may not be entertained.

Your’s faithfully
Sd/-
Mukesh
DEPUTY REGISTRAR (LAW)
M-1 Section
Ph. No. 011-24663317

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Defending Truth Under Fire: The Case of Yambem Laba, NHRC’s Intervention, and the Ongoing Battle for Human Rights in Manipur

Image
🕊️ Defending Truth Under Fire: The Case of Yambem Laba, NHRC’s Intervention, and the Ongoing Battle for Human Rights in Manipur By  Lenin Raghuvanshi Founder, People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) Visiting Senior Fellow, IMPRI Introduction: When Speaking Truth Becomes a Crime In India’s troubled northeast, voices of truth often echo against the barrels of guns. The recent abduction of senior journalist and human rights defender Yambem Laba from his home in Imphal on 12 February 2025 , marks yet another dark chapter in the long struggle for press freedom and human rights in Manipur. Laba, a respected journalist with The Statesman and former Acting Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, was abducted at gunpoint by 15–20 unidentified armed men , detained for over seven hours, and coerced into apologizing for his public criticism of militant groups. This was not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of intimidation that has silenced journalists...
Read more

“The Station House Officer said: ‘We will not let your son become an MBBS doctor.’”

Image
  “The Station House Officer said: ‘We will not let your son become an MBBS doctor.’” My name is Chakradhari Yadav. I am 51 years old and a resident of Village Madhi, Police Station—Newadia, District—Jaunpur. My father’s name was the late Nandlal Yadav. My wife’s name is Sitamuni. I belong to the Ahir (Yadav) caste. I support my family by working in the fields. I have two sons and two daughters. The eldest daughter is Neetu (28 years old), my second child is Pradyumn (26), the third is my daughter Rishu (23), and the youngest is my son Pravendra. One Diwali, I decided to bring my son home from college—a decision that turned out to cost me dearly. I had no idea that this simple, affectionate act would become the cause of such immense trouble. Had I known, I would never have called him home. That night changed everything. As I was sleeping on a cot in our home, my younger son Pravendra came running and told me, “Papa, a man has fallen off a motorcycle.” Hearing this, I rushed to t...
Read more

Report on Health Camp for Survivors of Torture and Their Families

Image
  Report on Health Camps for Survivors of Torture and Their Families Organized by JanMitra Nyas (JMN) Staff Introduction: In July and August 2024, JanMitra Nyas (JMN), with support from CRY (Child Rights and You) and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, organized 9 free health camps across Musahar villages. These camps aimed to provide focused medical assistance to survivors of torture and their families, with particular attention to the health and well-being of children. Objective: To deliver critical healthcare and psycho-social support to survivors of torture. To address the nutritional and health needs of children in vulnerable families. To improve access to essential medicines and healthcare services in marginalized communities. Details of the Camps: Locations: The health camps were held in 9 villages across Musahar communities in Badagaon, Harahua, and Arajiline blocks. Villages included: Anehi Dallipur Hamirapur Badagaon Barhikala Kharawan Paramanandapur Aura Puari K...
Read more